Frequently Asked Questions

We are committed to helping you find answers to your questions, so we’ve gathered the most common questions asked. Kindly review this list before reaching out to our team.

General Information

SPCA International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our EIN is 87-0773320.

Local SPCAs operate independently and are not governed by SPCA International or any national organization. Instead, SPCA International collaborates with and supports local and international rescues and shelters. This support includes financial grants, training, mentorship, assistance with large-scale rescues, disaster response, and veterinary aid support, among other services. It’s important to note that SPCA International itself does not run a shelter but focuses on assisting and empowering animal welfare organizations worldwide.

SPCA International does not facilitate adoptions directly, as we don’t operate a shelter. However, you can find your perfect furry companion through our extensive network of SPCA International shelter partners worldwide. Alternatively, if you prefer to adopt locally in the US, we recommend visiting www.petfinder.com, a comprehensive directory of shelters and rescues in your area. You can explore available animals and search by breed for your ideal match. By adopting, you give a loving home to a deserving pet and support the mission of animal welfare organizations. Happy adopting!

While SPCA International does not have a direct volunteer program, we occasionally have opportunities for volunteers to assist with large-scale rescues and projects. To stay informed about these chances, follow us on social media. We also encourage you to contact your local animal shelter and offer your help as a volunteer. If you’re interested in researching local rescues and shelters in your area, websites like petfinder.com or worldanimal.net are excellent resources to start your search. Your dedication and support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in need.

At SPCA International, we are always looking for skilled individuals who share our passion for animal well-being. If you’re interested in joining our team, please follow SPCA International on LinkedIn to receive updates on any job openings. 

SPCA International is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse staff. We encourage everyone to apply regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, disability and age.

We are committed to transparency in all aspects of our operations. Please visit our Financial Statements page for the latest audited financial statements and IRS Form 990.

The impact we’ve achieved in the past year is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and generous supporters. Please take a moment to explore our Annual Report and celebrate the accomplishments that have made a significant difference in the lives of animals.

Donations

Your gift is tax-deductible per local regulations, as we are a tax-exempt organization.

We will email or mail you a donation receipt, depending on how your donation was made. Please keep this, as it is your official record to claim this donation as a tax deduction.

Online Donations: www.spcai.org/donate.

Phone Donations:  call 888-690-7722,  Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM EST,

(Summer Hours are noted as Monday – Thursday 9 AM – 5 PM EST and Friday 9 AM – 1 PM EST Memorial Day – Labor Day)

Mail Donations: Mail your cash, check, or money order donations to the following address:

SPCA International 

PO Box 8682 

New York, NY 10116

SPCA International allocates 68% of all donations directly toward helping animals in need through our life-saving programs. The remaining funds are utilized to maintain our operations and for marketing, fundraising, and public awareness programs to engage the public and advocate for animals.

We value transparency, and supporters can access detailed spending ratios and the impact of their donations in our annual reports and 990s. Together, we make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals, and your support is at the heart of our mission.

Our monthly donors are vital to our mission. With their ongoing support, we can confidently plan for the future and save lives without hesitation. To join our compassionate community of monthly supporters and make a lasting difference, visit our Rescuers page.

You can view receipts, update your credit card information or change your donation amount through your Donation Portal. 

If you have made a general donation, visit: SPCA International Donor Portal

If you have made a donation to our military programs, visit: Military Donor Portal 

If you have made a donation to our shelter program, visit: Shelter Donor Portal

If you need further assistance, call us Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM EST at 888-690-7722.

(Summer Hours are noted as Monday – Thursday 9 AM – 5 PM EST and Friday 9 AM – 1 PM EST Memorial Day – Labor Day)

If you need help making a donation, please contact us at 888-690-7722 during our office hours, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST. We’ll be more than happy to assist you with any questions or support you need. 

(Summer Hours are noted as Monday – Thursday 9 AM – 5 PM EST and Friday 9 AM – 1 PM EST Memorial Day – Labor Day)

The impact we’ve achieved in the past year is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and generous supporters. Please take a moment to explore our Annual Report and celebrate the accomplishments that have made a significant difference in the lives of animals.

By including SPCA International in your estate plans, wills, or trusts, you become part of a special group known as the “Global Animal Legacy Society.” Many of our vital programs and services have been strengthened by the thoughtful contributions of individuals who made SPCA International part of their estate plans. 

Visit our Planned Gift page to explore various giving options, such as bequests from your will, retirement assets, life insurance, charitable remainder trust, and more. Your legacy will play a pivotal role in ending animal abuse and suffering, allowing us to advance the safety and well-being of animals worldwide.

Hosting a fundraiser is a simple yet impactful way to make a difference and contribute to the well-being of animals in need. 

Through our Fundraising Page, launching campaigns in honor of loved ones, special pets, birthdays, weddings, or events is effortless. Join us in making a positive impact and providing care to furry friends everywhere.

Animal Care & Abuse Prevention

If you suspect animal abuse, please contact your local animal shelter, animal control agency, or police department to report the incident. These organizations have the authority and resources to address your concerns effectively. Remember to document essential information such as dates, times, and specific details, and if possible, take photo or video evidence if it is safe to do so. This documentation will assist the appropriate authorities in investigating and ensuring the animals’ well-being.

If you encounter an injured animal, please immediately contact your local animal control or animal shelter. They have the expertise and resources to dispatch trained professionals who can handle the situation safely and provide the necessary care to the injured animal.

If you have found a lost pet, follow these steps to help reunite them with their owner:

  • Approach the pet cautiously, especially if they seem scared.
  • Check for identification tags, collars, or a microchip. Contact the owner if possible.
  • Notify local animal control or animal shelter with a description and any identification details.
  • Share the pet’s photo and your contact information on social media, community groups, and lost and found pet websites.
  • Take the pet to a local veterinarian or animal shelter to be scanned for a microchip.
  • Contact nearby veterinary clinics in case the owner is searching for their lost pet.

If you have concerns about the pet’s behavior or health, contact animal control or a local animal rescue organization for assistance. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of the pet during any interactions. It’s better to seek help from trained professionals to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.

We understand that circumstances may arise where you might find it challenging to care for your pet. Before considering surrendering your pet to a shelter, we encourage you to explore local resources that offer pet food assistance, reduced or free veterinary care, and behavior advice and training. If you still wish to find a new home for your pet, consider reaching out to family, friends, or trusted acquaintances. This can provide your pet with a familiar environment, easing the transition to a new home.

If you have explored all other options and resources, nearby animal shelters or rescue organizations accepting pet surrenders may be your next step. However, please note that SPCA International can only rehome pets rescued through one of our programs.

Many animal shelters and rescue groups provide low-cost or subsidized veterinary services, covering vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and basic medical care. We encourage you to contact your local animal welfare organizations or veterinary teaching hospitals for assistance. They can offer valuable support and resources to ensure your pet’s health and well-being without straining your budget.

As a responsible pet owner, spaying and neutering your pet is crucial. Beyond preventing unwanted litters and pet overpopulation, these procedures offer significant health benefits. Spaying females can help prevent uterine infections, reduce the risk of mammary tumors, and lower the likelihood of ovarian cancer. Neutering males can prevent testicular cancer and reduce the chances of prostate problems.

Consulting with your veterinarian is essential to determine the best time for spaying or neutering your pet.

Microchipping your pet is crucial in ensuring their safety and increasing the chances of a happy reunion if they ever go missing. Unlike collars and tags that can get lost or removed, a microchip is a permanent form of identification embedded under your pet’s skin. It contains a unique ID code linked to your contact information in a national database. Animal shelters, veterinarians, and rescue organizations can scan for the microchip and contact you if your furry friend becomes lost or strays away. Microchipping significantly improves the likelihood of reuniting with your beloved pet, offering peace of mind and safeguarding them against the risks of being lost or stolen. Remember to keep your contact details updated in the microchip registry to ensure its effectiveness in reuniting you with your furry family member.

SPCA International currently offers pet transport assistance exclusively to US servicemembers receiving Permanent Change of Station orders and refugees. If you are not eligible for these programs, you can explore other options by searching online for “animal transport.”

In the past, we have collaborated with the following companies:

Including a company in this listing does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. We highly recommend thoroughly checking them out before utilizing any specific service.

Our Programs

Shelter Support Program

SPCA International has helped more than 350 animal rescue groups in over 50 countries. To explore the complete list of our valued partners, view our Animal Shelter Support List.

SPCA International collaborates with various partners throughout the United States, rescuing animals ranging from dogs to pigs and even monkeys. Our collective efforts aim to improve the well-being of all creatures, advocating for animal welfare legislation across the nation.

SPCA International provides unwavering support to new and existing partners through general assistance grants, emergency grants, project-specific grants, mentorship, and donations of veterinary supplies.

To manage the high demand, applications are now accessible during the third week of every month. To initiate the application process, please fill out the Interest Request Form. We will email you a link to the application if you are eligible.

Please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding your Shelter Support request form or application.

Unfortunately, SPCA International is not able to provide assistance to individuals aiming to create animal shelters. Due to commitment and accountability to our donors, our Shelter Support program only provides grants to qualifying established and registered organizations that have a proven reliable history of animal welfare in their region.

Establishing and running an animal shelter is a large undertaking that requires a significant commitment in terms of both time and financial resources. In addition, there are many legal and regulatory requirements that must be met in order to operate a successful animal shelter. As such, it is important that any individual interested in establishing an animal shelter seek the advice of professionals with expertise in this area to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to make the shelter a reality.

SPCA International wishes you success in your mission to protect animals in your community.

Patriot Pets Program

Please email [email protected] and include this initial information in your request:

  • Your name and contact information
  • The country you and your animal are located in
  • Your animal’s name and status

Our team will promptly review your request and contact you with the next steps.

Every Patriot Pets rescue is different, as every animal and situation is unique. The costs include paperwork, medical care, vaccinations, boarding, food, supplies, transportation, and other unlisted expenditures. We allocate a budget for each mission ranging from $4,000 to $9,000. Flight delays or unforeseen circumstances may cause these amounts to vary.

Apollo's Aid Program

Due to the high volume of applications, applications are only open from the 1st through the 7th of every month. To apply, please complete the Permanent Change of Station Application. If you have any other questions about the application or grant process, kindly contact us at  [email protected].

Mailings from SPCA International

To update your information or be removed from the mailing list, call 212-244-7722 or email [email protected] and provide your full name and address. Kindly be aware that it may take 90 – 120 days for your name to be removed, after which all postings will cease. We appreciate your understanding.

If you’d like to receive fewer solicitations, please contact 212-244-7722 or email [email protected]. We will be happy to rectify the situation for you. Please note that it may take between 90 – 120 days for you to notice a change. We appreciate your patience during this process.

To receive the latest news about our work, updates on animals in crisis and how you can make a difference, join our mailing list.

Corporate Partnerships

SPCA International takes great pride in collaborating with various partners, from local shops to Fortune 500 companies. Together, we are committed to advancing the safety and well-being of animals worldwide. Through these meaningful partnerships, we can make a lasting difference for our furry friends.

Thank you for your interest in supporting SPCA International. Our Corporate Donors and Partners are crucial in raising awareness and funding our life-saving animal welfare programs. We are actively seeking diverse partnerships to further our mission of advancing the safety and well-being of animals.

If you’re interested in partnering with us, please send a detailed email outlining your partnership idea to [email protected].

Contact Information

For media inquiries or interviews, reporters can contact the SPCA International Media Relations department by emailing [email protected]

We are eager to provide information and insights to support animal welfare initiatives and raise awareness about our mission.